The Diminishing Role of Isolated Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Today: Lessons From Long‐Term Outcomes and Comparative Studies

Abstract For decades, the arthroscopic Bankart repair was regarded as the foundation of anterior shoulder stabilization. By 2025, multiple long‐term studies have shown higher recurrence rates with isolated Bankart repair compared with augmentation techniques. In their evaluation of the Latarjet, the authors found increased stability, a quicker return to play, and greater cost‐effectiveness. Comparative studies indicate that to substantially reduce failure rates and approach the stability achieved with Latarjet, Bankart repair should be combined with Remplissage. Biomechanical and clinical evidence increasingly cast doubt on whether restoring a failed anatomy is a reasonable objective. Overall, current data shows that the role of isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair has not only narrowed—it has nearly disappeared. Based on the increasing evidence from long‐term studies, its era as a default first‐line procedure appears to be over, with augmented soft‐tissue techniques and the Latarjet procedure increasingly preferred in higher‐risk patients. Continuing to rely solely on isolated Bankart repairs in higher‐risk profiles may represent a missed opportunity to optimize stability and reduce reoperation risk.